Winemakers explain why it is worth entering WWA
We asked wineries that had entered Winelovers Wine Awards for the first or second time and whose wines had performed well. We were curious to find out how they felt, six months on, about whether it had been worth entering the competition. Let us share some thoughts from Agancsos Winery (Villány), Attila Cellar (Eger) and Lenkey Winery (Tokaj).
Agancsos Winery, Villány
Agancsos results at WWA 2025
"Love of nature, respect for quality, and a human touch. These values form the basis of our winemaking. Our family winery was founded in 1990 and was given the name Agancsos in 2006, inspired by our love of nature and passion for hunting. We cultivate six hectares of land and produce wines from Olaszrizling, Portugieser, Kékfrankos, Irsai Olivér, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir grapes."
Zoltán Kovács
– How did you hear about the WWA, and why did you decide to enter the competition?
– Well, I read and heard about the contest a lot, and what I have learnt was very convincing! We entered the competition with confidence because of the quality of our wines.
"Love of nature, respect for quality, and a human touch. These values form the basis of our winemaking. Our family winery was founded in 1990 and was given the name Agancsos in 2006, inspired by our love of nature and passion for hunting. We cultivate six hectares of land and produce wines from Olaszrizling, Portugieser, Kékfrankos, Irsai Olivér, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir grapes."
Zoltán Kovács
– How did you hear about the WWA, and why did you decide to enter the competition?
– Well, I read and heard about the contest a lot, and what I have learnt was very convincing! We entered the competition with confidence because of the quality of our wines.
– This was your first time participating in the competition, and you already won a gold medal and two silver medals. Are you satisfied with the result?
– The results have justified the quality of our wines. The two silver medal wines are only one point behind the gold, which means that all three of our wines are around 90 points, putting them among the leaders!
– Did you share the excellent competition results, did you advertise them anywhere?
– Yes, of course, but the most important thing is that the wine was included in the Top 100 Hungarian Wines publication, and since Auchan was also a sponsor this year and our wine was among the Auchan wines, this has noticeably boosted sales of our red wines, not only at Auchan, but everywhere. Since the competition, our red wines have been selling better, and not just now, during the colder months, which is a big deal in an era when there is greater interest in whites and rosés.
More information about Agancsos Winery
Attila Cellar, Eger
Attila results at WWA 2025
"At Attila Cellar in Szomolya, Attila Vámos makes his wines with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. He uses 95% free-run juice to make his wines. He processes the harvest from the Pazsag, Mácsalma, Szérűhely, Ispánberke, Nagy-Völgy Tető, Nagyaszó, and Cserje vineyards. Szomolya is a small village in the Eger wine region, famous for its volcanic rhyolite soil, short-stemmed black cherries, and beehive stones. The wines are made with the help of family and friends and with love. 100% of the barrels are made of Hungarian wood. Only sulphur is used in the cellar during the production of the wines, and 95% of the late wines are fermented dry, usually harvested at maturity or overripe."
Attilawine.com
– How did you hear about WWA, and why did you decide to enter the competition?
– At first, I didn't participate in any competitions at all. The first one was in Hong Kong in 2011, which was followed by many interesting inquiries. This isn't the first time I've entered the WWA. I entered wines last year as well, and my 2016 Zöldveltelini wine won a gold medal and 90 points, making it the best Zöldveltelini!
"At Attila Cellar in Szomolya, Attila Vámos makes his wines with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. He uses 95% free-run juice to make his wines. He processes the harvest from the Pazsag, Mácsalma, Szérűhely, Ispánberke, Nagy-Völgy Tető, Nagyaszó, and Cserje vineyards. Szomolya is a small village in the Eger wine region, famous for its volcanic rhyolite soil, short-stemmed black cherries, and beehive stones. The wines are made with the help of family and friends and with love. 100% of the barrels are made of Hungarian wood. Only sulphur is used in the cellar during the production of the wines, and 95% of the late wines are fermented dry, usually harvested at maturity or overripe."
Attilawine.com
– How did you hear about WWA, and why did you decide to enter the competition?
– At first, I didn't participate in any competitions at all. The first one was in Hong Kong in 2011, which was followed by many interesting inquiries. This isn't the first time I've entered the WWA. I entered wines last year as well, and my 2016 Zöldveltelini wine won a gold medal and 90 points, making it the best Zöldveltelini!
– If I count correctly, Attila Pince has won 16 medals this year, which is truly a medal shower! Are you satisfied with the result?
– Yes, of course, I am particularly pleased with the 2017 Merlot, as well as the 2016 and 2017 Turán gold medals, which surprised me. Although it is also true that those who accept me are looking for my Turán and Leányka wines. And why did I enter so many wines? Because this is a winery built on love, there are many vintages, and I look for the most beautiful moment in each one. Just like in a relationship, it's best to wait for the right time for everything. I don't replace one vintage just because the next one is coming. I have wines that come onto the market after 20 years and beautifully demonstrate their ageing potential. I have more than 200 types of wine in my cellar.
– Did you share the fabulous competition results, did you announce them somewhere?
– Yes, and many people congratulated me and were happy for me. This great competition result is also useful because my wines are currently available in 60-70 restaurants, and many sommeliers chose my wines "against the flow," and this is now a pleasant confirmation for them that not only do they believe in Attila wines, but the international jury also rated them highly.
More Information about Attila Cellar
Lenkey Winery, Tokaj
"Our ideas about grape cultivation and wine production are constantly evolving. We quickly realized that we were not attracted to large-scale winemaking, but rather wanted to produce wines that are authentic and have their own character. To this end, since 2002, we have been pruning all our vines to short spurs, carrying out shoot selection in the spring and cluster selection in the summer, and limiting yields... I believe that Tokaj-Hegyalja is one of the most unique wine regions in the world! I believe that the wines produced here need time to reveal their full beauty! I believe that grapes do not like chemicals, and wine does not like additives!"
Géza Lenkey
– How did you hear about the WWA, and why did you decide to enter the competition?
– I heard about the competition from my partner, Bori Török. She helps us sell our wines and suggested we enter, and I supported the idea.
– You won two gold medals and a silver medal with your Orange 14 orange wine on your first attempt. Are you satisfied with the result?
– I was very happy with the results, I was confident of success!
– Did you share your excellent competition results, did you advertise them anywhere?
– Yes, we promoted the results and received many congratulations. In fact, it led to a concrete result, a new distributor in London! That was our goal in entering the competition, and we achieved it, so we are very happy!
More information about Lenkey Winery
Upcoming key dates
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31 January 2026 Early bird entry
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31 March 2026 Normal Entry
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31 May 2026 Entry deadline
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9 June 2026 Judging
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